HASTINGS, Neb. — The pitching was on point and saved the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs from losing their third straight Expedition League game.

The Sabre Dogs (22-20) got back in the win column with a 7-2 road victory Monday evening against the Hastings Sodbusters (22-21).

Souris Valley starting pitcher Ryan Lobus put together a rare immaculate inning in the second frame. On nine pitches, Lobus threw nine strikes to record three strikeouts.

Offensively, timely RBI singles by Bo McClintock (twice) and Nolan Monthei had the Sabre Dogs up 5-0 through three innings.

The Sodbusters pushed back with two runs in the fourth inning. Efry Cervantes provided an RBI double and then scored on an error.

Those were the only two blemishes against Lobus. He pitched seven innings, allowing three hits while striking out 10 batters, before stepping aside for relief pitcher Trevor Jackson.

Infielder slugger Mason Dinesen cranked a two-run home run in the ninth inning to give the Sabre Dogs a couple of insurance runs. It was his sixth home run of the season, tied for fifth-most in the league, and his first long ball since July 31.

Despite leading 7-2, Sabre Dogs closer Tanner Riley got the ball from Jackson in the bottom of the ninth. Not a save situation, but he sent the Sodbusters down in order with a pair of strikeouts to end the game.

Souris Valley collected 12 hits as a team. Dinesen went 4-for-4 to go with his home run. Josh Solomon and McClintock each had two hits.

It was the 100th win for head coach Corey THompson in his third season with the Sabre Dogs.

Game 2 of the four-game series will take place at 6:35 p.m. this evening in Hastings, Nebraska.

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